Uppeldi og menntun - 01.01.2002, Side 101

SIF EINARSDÓTTIR OG JÓHANNA EINARSDÓTTIR
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to compare the academic success of students according
to age, education and experience in the Early Childhood Education program at the
Iceland University of Education. Information were obtained about students, all
women, that entered the program in the first three years (1998-2000) after it had been
moved from secondary school level into higher education. Academic success was
measured using the GPA (grade point average) and drop-out rates were compared by
age, previous education and work experience related to childhood education. The
results show that students who had finished upper secondary education had higher
GPA than students with less formal education. Students with work experience were
more successful in certain courses. Students with secondary school and work ex-
periences were the most successful in the program. The GPA did not differ by age,
but older students had a higher drop-out rate from the program than younger stu-
dents. The implications of these results for the student selection process and different
needs of various student groups in the program are discussed.
Sif Einarsdóttir er
lektor í Kennaraháskóla Islands
Jóhanna Einarsdóttir er
dósent við Kennaraháskóla íslands
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